Ear tubes in children

Preparation

Feeding

Your child may drink clear fluids such as water (not sparkling) and clear fruit juices without pulp up to two hours before the procedure. Your child may eat a light meal (e.g. a sandwich or toast with jam) upt to six hours before the procedure. Bottle-feeding is allowed during this time, but your child may not eat any fatty foods or meat.

Medication

If your child uses inhaler treatments for the lungs, please administer this medication on the morning of the procedure.

Questionnaire

At the consultation, you will receive a folder with information leaflets. Complete the questionnaire for the parts relevant to your child. In the event that you do not get this questionnaire, you may complete it at the time of registration.

KidsID/ISI card

For each session, check in using your ID card at the e-kiosk in the entrance hall of the hospital. If you do not have a KidsID, please register at the information desk. You will then be accompanied to registration.

What if your child is unexpectedly sick?

You and the physician will decide on an operation date. If your child is sick on the day of the scheduled operation, the operation will be postponed.

• Has your child been sick in the days leading up to the procedure, and you are wondering whether the procedure can be performed? In that case, ask your GP or the attending ENT physician by calling the secretariat at +32 (0)9 246 83 00.
• Is your child feeling sick on the day of the procedure? In that case, contact the Admission Department as soon as possible by telephoning +32 (0)9 246 96 60.

Treatment

The operation is performed using short-lasting general anaesthesia. One of the parents may accompany your child into the operating room. After the procedure, one of the parents may be with the child in the recovery room.

The attending ENT physician will discharge your child after consulting the attending anaesthesiologist.

Monitoring:

• A follow-up check-up after one week is recommended. This appointment will be scheduled in consultation with your physician. No water should enter the ear until your child has the first follow-up appointment.
• If there are no problems, your child may swim after the follow-up check-up. Avoid diving as long as the tubes are in place.
• Avoid soap in the ear during the whole time the ear tubes are in place.
• The ear tube will fall out spontaneously on its own, usually after approximately one year. It will stay in the ear canal until it comes out on its own. The tiny hole in the eardrum will close on its own.

Latest publication date: 13/12/2023
Supervising author: Dr Vermeiren Judith